

Released in 1978, Face to Face occupies a singular sweet spot between hard rock and pure punk. “Take a Long Line” unites metalheads, punks, and devotees of early, primitive rock ’n’ roll. As “Can’t Shake It,” “No Exit,” and “Marseilles” echo AC/DC’s electrifying and deeply pocketed grooves, Doc Neeson’s snarling vocals offer a poisonous pledge of allegiance to a hell-bent lifestyle. Even the power-pop pleasures of “After the Rain” and “Am I Ever Gonna See You” are strong enough to smack us upside the head.